A Comprehensive Guide to Buying the Perfect Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Looking for a robot vacuum but don’t know where to start? This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about buying the perfect one for your home. 

robot-vacuum-cleaner
Robot Vacuum Cleaner.

We’ll discuss the different types of robot vacuums available, what features to look for, and the best brands on the market. By the time you finish reading this article, you should be well equipped with all the information needed to decide on the right robot vacuum for your home!

The Best Robot Vacuum cleaners in 2022

SaleBestseller No. 1
eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim), Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Super-Thin, 1300Pa Strong Suction, Quiet, Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Cleans Hard Floors to Medium-Pile Carpets
  • Super-Slim RoboVac: Our slimmer RoboVac is only 2.85", operates quietly, and even has an increased suction power of 1300 Pa
  • BoostIQ Technology: RoboVac automatically increases suction power within 1.5 seconds when extra vacuuming strength is needed for deep cleaning
  • A Quiet Clean: Vacuums for up to 100 minutes** on hardwood floors with consistent, powerful suction at a volume no louder than an operating microwave
  • Special Features: Equipped with an anti-scratch tempered glass-top cover for protection, an infrared-sensor for evading obstacles, and drop-sensing tech to avoid falls. RoboVac also automatically recharges so it's always ready to clean
  • What You Get: RoboVac 11S, remote control (2 AAA batteries included), charging base, AC power adapter, cleaning tool, extra set of high-performance filters, 4 side brushes, 5 cable ties, welcome guide, and our worry-free 12-month warranty
Bestseller No. 2
Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum, with Matrix Clean, Home Mapping, 30-Day Capacity HEPA Bagless Self Empty Base, Perfect for Pet Hair, Wifi, Dark Grey
  • INCREDIBLE SUCTION: Powerful Shark suction picks up dirt and debris on all floor types—tackling even the toughest of messes in your home.
  • NO SPOTS MISSED: With Matrix Clean Navigation, the vacuum cleans in a precise matrix grid taking multiple passes over dirt and debris for whole home, deep cleaning coverage.
  • IT EMPTIES ITSELF: The bagless, self-emptying base holds up to 30 days of dirt and debris while its true HEPA filtration captures and traps 99.97%* of dust and allergens (*down to .3 microns).
  • PRECISION HOME MAPPING: 360° LiDAR vision quickly and accurately maps your home so your robot can methodically clean detecting and avoiding objects in its path, day or night, adapting to everyday changes in the home.
  • PERFECT FOR HOMES WITH PETS: With powerful vacuum suction, Shark’s self-cleaning brushroll, and HEPA filtration system the robot captures pet hair, dust, dander and allergens with ease.
Bestseller No. 3
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity, Personalized Cleaning Recommendations, Works with Alexa, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging, Roomba 694
  • MORE THOUGHTFUL THAN YOU THOUGHT - The Roomba 694 takes vacuuming off your mind with personalized cleaning suggestions powered by the unique intelligence of IRobot OS. Learns your habits and your routines..Runtime : 90 minutes
  • 3-STAGE CLEANING POWER - The 3-Stage Cleaning system lifts dirt, dust and debris from carpets and hard floors while an Edge-Sweeping brush takes care of corners and edges. Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head automatically adapts its height to effectively clean carpets & hard floors.
  • FOCUSED CLEANING YOU CAN COUNT ON - IRobot's Patented Dirt Detect Technology allows the Roomba 694 robot vacuum to detect dirtier areas of your home and clean them more thoroughly.
  • DON'T LET MESSES MESS WITH YOUR SCHEDULE - Simply use the IRobot Home App or your voice assistant to tell the Roomba 694 robot to vacuum and consider it done. ​
  • A FULL SUITE OF ADVANCED SENSORS - You don’t have to worry about Roomba 694 Series Robot Vacuum getting around your home to get the job done: A full suite of advanced sensors allow this robot to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges, while Cliff Detect keeps it from falling down stairs.
Bestseller No. 4
eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX, Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Super-Thin, 2000Pa Super-Strong Suction, Quiet, Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Cleans Hard Floors to Medium-Pile Carpets, Black
  • Super-Slim RoboVac: The 2.85" slim RoboVac boasts an intense suction power (up to 2000 Pa) while maintaining quiet operation.
  • BoostIQ Technology: RoboVac automatically increases suction power within 1.5 seconds when extra vacuuming strength is needed for deep cleaning.
  • A Quiet Clean: Vacuums for up to 100 minutes** on hardwood floors with consistent, powerful suction at a volume no louder than a microwave.
  • Special Features: Equipped with an anti-scratch tempered glass-top cover for protection, an infrared-sensor for evading obstacles, and drop-sensing tech to avoid falls. RoboVac also automatically recharges so it's always ready to clean.
  • What You Get: RoboVac 11S MAX, remote control (2 AAA batteries included), charging base, AC power adapter, cleaning tool, extra set of unibody filter, 4 side brushes, 5 cable ties, welcome guide, and our worry-free 12-month warranty.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo, WiFi/App/Alexa, Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Schedule, 2 in 1 Mopping Robot Vacuum with Watertank and Dustbin, Self-Charging, Slim, Ideal for Hard Floor, Pet Hair, Carpet
  • 🏠[2-In-1 Mopping Robot Vacuum]: The 1400Pa mopping robot vacuum cleaner combo can quickly remove dust, paper scraps, and other garbage. Wet mop function and 230ml electric control water tank, even penetration, suitable for all hard floors, such as laminate, ceramic tiles, granite, parquet, etc.
  • 📱[Smart App & Voice Control] You can easily create a home clean schedule, change the clean mode, and control the clean direction by using the Tuya Smart App. The auto vacuum robot is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to make the robot start and stop the clean by voice commands. Remote control is also included in the package for your convenience. (⚠The APP only supports 2. 4GHz WiFi.)
  • 🔔[Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance Upgraded Again]: The robot vacuum has advanced 3D precise obstacle avoidance function, a full set of sensors can intelligently identify and avoid white walls, stairs, and obstacles. 2.87'' slim design helps the robot vacuum cleaner to reach every corner of a house or narrow space, clean leftover dirty areas, and keep your house neat.
  • 🔋[100mins Runtime & Self-charging]: Both mopping and vacuuming offer two levels of intensity adjustment, adjustable for different floor types. With 2500mAh battery capacity, the robotic vacuum cleaner can continuously work 100min in a 1290sqft house, and will automatically back to the charging base and recharge when in low battery or finished cleaning.
  • 💪[4 High-Efficiency Cleaning Modes]: The robot vacuum and mop combo can be flexibly switched between different modes through the remote control or APP (Auto/Spot /Edge/Zig-zag cleaning) to meet the different cleaning needs of the family. Among them, the zigzag path can cover the largest area for cleaning, reduce missed scanning, and increase efficiency by 30%.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum with XL HEPA Self-Empty Base, Bagless, 60-Day Capacity, LIDAR Navigation, Perfect for Pet Hair, Compatible with Alexa, Wi-Fi Connected, Carpet & Hard Floor, Black
  • INCREDIBLE SUCTION: Powerful Shark suction picks up dirt and debris on all floor types—tackling even the toughest of messes in your home.
  • NO SPOTS MISSED: With Matrix Clean Navigation, the vacuum cleans in a precise matrix grid taking multiple passes over dirt and debris for whole home, deep cleaning coverage.
  • IT EMPTIES ITSELF: The bagless, self-emptying base holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris while its true HEPA filtration captures and traps 99.97%* of dust and allergens (*down to .3 microns).
  • PRECISION HOME MAPPING: 360° LiDAR vision quickly and accurately maps your home so your robot can methodically clean detecting and avoiding objects in its path, day or night, adapting to everyday changes in the home.
  • PERFECT FOR HOMES WITH PETS: With powerful vacuum suction, Shark’s self-cleaning brushroll, and HEPA filtration system the robot captures pet hair, dust, dander and allergens with ease.
SaleBestseller No. 7
iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum – Identifies and avoids obstacles like pet waste & cords, Empties itself for 60 days, Smart Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Graphite
  • THE WORLD'S SMARTEST CLEANING ROBOTS JUST GOT SMARTER - IRobot OS powers your Roomba j7+ to clean the way you want it to. It avoids objects in its way, allows you to schedule multiple cleanings per day by continuously learning and adapting to your home; it also empties its bin so you don’t have to.
  • AVOIDS PET ACCIDENTS ON PURPOSE – WE GUARANTEE IT - Only IRobot brings you P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise). You can rely on your Roomba j7+ to avoid pet waste, or we’ll replace it for free. Additional terms and conditions apply – see IRobot for full details.
  • NO NEED TO PICK UP BEFORE YOU CLEAN - The Roomba j7+ robot vacuum uses IRobot OS Technology and PrecisionVision Navigation to recognize and avoid common objects in its way like cords, pet waste, socks and shoes. Picking up before you clean is now a thing of the past.
  • CLEANS WHEN & WHERE YOU WANT– Only IRobot brings you Imprint Smart Mapping allowing you to control & schedule which rooms are cleaned and when, while storing multiple maps for easier cleaning on each level of your home. Plus customizable Keep Out Zones and Clean Zones allow you to tell them the exact area to avoid and clean.
  • MORE THOUGHTFUL THAN YOU THOUGHT - The Roomba j7+ takes vacuuming off your mind with personalized cleaning suggestions powered by the unique intelligencce of IRobot OS. Learns your habits and your routines.
SaleBestseller No. 8
XIEBro Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo, 2 in 1 Mopping Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with 2000Pa Max Suction, WiFi/App/Alexa, Schedule Settings, Self-Charging, Slim, Tangle-Free, Ideal for Pet Hair and Carpet
  • 【2-In-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo】Mopping Robot Vacuum with 2000Pa strong suction tackles dirt, debris, and pet hair more quickly and effectively on hardwood, tile, laminate, and low pile carpet. With a mopping system and a high-capacity 230ml electronic water tank can set 3 water flow levels for specific cleaning needs.
  • 【Smart App & Voice Control】 Via Tuya Smart App to set the home cleaning schedule, modes, suction level, etc. The auto vacuum robot is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant making it possible to clean your home with simple voice commands. For convenience, the remote control is also included in the package, you can choose the control method. (2.4GHz Wi-Fi Only)
  • 【Slim, Flexible, and Powerful】The 2.75inch slim design helps the robot vacuum get freely in and out of beds, sofas, and more to clean every corner and tight space. Equipped with 3D infrared sensors for evading obstacles and drop-sensing technology to avoid falls, the Robot vacuum can intelligently identify and avoid white walls, stairs, toys, and obstacles.
  • 【Long-Lasting Battery Life】K10 robot vacuum cleaner with a battery capacity of 2600mAh, which can work continuously for 120 minutes in a 1290m² house and automatically return to the charging base and charge itself when the battery is low or cleaning is finished (The runtime is affected by the cleaning mode and floor type).
  • 【Brushless Suction Port Design】This robotic vacuum cleaner is powered by a strong digital motor. The robot vacuum has strong suction power and a unique air inlet design, which will not be blocked by pet hair like other robot vacuum cleaners with roller brushes, Ideal for pet families. The bilateral brush can quickly gather and absorb large particles and fine dust, leaving no sanitary dead angle.
SaleBestseller No. 9
iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum – Now Clean By Room With Smart Mapping, Empties Itself For Up To 60 Days, Works With Alexa, Ideal For Pet Hair, Carpets​
  • POWERFUL CLEANING—SCHEDULED AROUND YOUR LIFE - Roomba i3+ EVO takes care of dirt and messes with a Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System and 10x the Power-Lifting Suction. Compared to Roomba 600 series.Runtime : 75 minutes
  • CLEAN BY ROOM, YOU’RE IN CONTROL - Roomba i3+ EVO learns your home and creates an Imprint Smart Map so you can direct it to clean any room you want, any time you want—either on a set schedule or in the moment
  • DON’T LIFT A FINGER FOR MONTHS- The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal allows the i3+ EVO to empty itself into an enclosed bag that captures 99% of particles as small as .7 microns and holds up to 60 days of cleanings. The Roomba i3+ is designed to work simply with the press of the Clean button.
  • CLEANING IN TIDY ROWS - Cleans intelligently in straight lines back and forth, to thoroughly clean your floors while navigating around furniture. When the i3+ EVO needs to recharge, it will resume right where it left off ensuring a complete clean
  • FOCUSED CLEANING - Patented Dirt Detect Technology allows the Roomba i3+ EVO to detect dirtier areas of your home and clean them more thoroughly. Integrated sensors tell the robot where it can and can’t fit, so it doesn’t get stuck under furniture
SaleBestseller No. 10
Lefant Robot Vacuum Cleaner with 2200Pa,Tangle-Free,Ultra Slim,Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum,Wi-Fi/App/Alexa,120mins Runtime,Featured Carpet Boost,Ideal for Pet Hair,Hard Floor M210-Pro
  • ☕From 2020 to 2022, our robot vacuum iterated from the original M201 to the third generation M210P, with better function, softer sound, and higher recharging efficiency.
  • 🤖【Upgraded Freemove Technology 3.0】: Freemove technology is Lefant's original robot vacuum‘s integrated whole body detection technology. The built-in infrared sensors can sense obstacles encountered by the whole body and retreat. Avoid falling downstairs or getting stuck.
  • 🐶【Multiple Cleaning Modes】: The smart robot vacuum supports multiple cleaning modes,including: ➊ Arranged cleaning(Zig-zag Route) ➋Random cleaning ➌Spot cleaning ➍Wall cleaning ➎Schedule cleaning ➏Manual control direction. Choose between different modes and suction power as needed via the app, cleaning is so easy.
  • 🌪️【Carpet Boost *& Quiet Cleaning】: The M210P robotic vacuum cleaner is optimized and can intelligently recognizes the carpet and increases to maximum suction for optimal cleaning performance. The robot vacuum sucks with softer white noise, no more annoying your babies and pets.
  • 🐾【Suitable for Pet Owners】: M210-P has powerful 2200pa suction. Two side brushes concentrate dust, pet hair, and garbage. Then sucked by the brushless suction mouth specially designed for pet families. * No need to get your hands dirty to clean tangled hair on traditional roller brushes.

The types of Robot Vacuums

There are three main types of robot vacuums: floor-cleaning robots, pool cleaners, and window cleaners.

The floor cleaner 

Floor-cleaning robots are the most common type of robot vacuum. They’re designed to clean your floors using a combination of suction and brushes or pads. Some models also have a mopping feature, which allows you to wet mop your floors after cleaning.

The pool cleaner  

Pool cleaners are designed to clean your pool’s floors and walls. They use a combination of suction and brushes or pads to remove dirt, debris, and algae from the pool. 

They typically attach to the side of your pool and work their way around it, cleaning as they go.

For windows cleaning  

Window cleaning robot vacuums are designed to clean your windows using a combination of suction and a squeegee. They typically attach to the window and use their suction to hold themselves in place as they clean. 

Amongst the three types, floor cleaning robot vacuums are the most popular and common. 

What to look for when buying your first robot vacuum cleaner? 

While purchasing a robot vacuum, there are a few factors you should take into account. Here is a cool video with great tips about this, while it is from 2019, I think it does mention some great tips when looking for the best robotic vacuum cleaner.

Are robot vacuums worth it?

Obstacle Detection – You want it to clean continuously

Robot vacuum cleaner with obstacle detection
Robot vacuum cleaner with obstacle detection.

One of the essential features to consider when purchasing a robot vacuum is obstacle detection. This allows the vacuum to avoid running into furniture and other obstacles in your home. 

Some vacuums have sensors that enable them to detect objects in their path, while others come with bumpers that allow them to bump into things and then back away.

If you have a lot of furniture or other obstacles in your home, you’ll want to make sure the vacuum you choose has obstacle detection. Otherwise, it may end up getting stuck and needing to be rescued!

App Integration so you can control it from your mobile device

App integration for your robot vacuum cleaner
App integration for your robot vacuum cleaner.

Another feature to consider is app integration. This enables you to control your vacuum from your smartphone or other devices. You can start, stop, and pause vacuuming sessions, as well as set schedules and receive notifications when the vacuum is done cleaning. 

If you love to control things remotely, you will love to have an appliance with app integration.

Cleaning Capabilities

When looking for a robot vacuum, you’ll also want to consider its cleaning capabilities. Some vacuums are better at picking up pet hair or dealing with large debris, while others have special features like water tanks for mopping your floors. 

Make sure to choose a vacuum that is capable of cleaning the surfaces in your home.

Battery Life (How long it will clean continuosly)

Another important consideration is battery life. Most robot vacuums can run for around 60-90 minutes before needing to be recharged, so make sure to pick one that will be able to clean your entire home in one go. If you have a large house or a lot of furniture, it will be wise to go for the one with longer battery life.

Charging Time between each use

Additionally, you’ll want to think about how long the vacuum takes to charge. Most models take around 2 or 3 hours to recharge fully, but some can do it in less than 30 minutes. 

If you don’t want to have to wait long for your vacuum to be ready to go, you’ll want to choose one that has a short charging time.

Noise Level – Most people prefer quiet robots

Quiet and scheduled cleaning with no hassle
Quiet and scheduled cleaning with no hassle.

You’ll also want to think about the noise level of the vacuum. Most robot vacuums are pretty quiet, but a few make more noise than others. If you don’t want to be disturbed while the vacuum is running, make sure to choose one with a low noise level.

Self-Emptying Capability

You may want to consider a robot vacuum with self-emptying capability. This allows the vacuum to empty its own dustbin, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Not all models have this feature, but if you think you’ll be too busy or lazy to empty the vacuum dustbin on your own, then it may be a good option for you.

Mopping Feature

If you want a vacuum that can do more than just suck up dirt and debris, you should consider one with a mopping feature. 

It allows the vacuum to wet mop your floors after it’s done sucking up all the dirt. Not all models have this feature, but if you think you’ll need it, then make sure to look for one that does.

Benefits of Robot Vacuums

There are several benefits to owning a robot vacuum, and some of them are:

Clean carpets and hard floors
Clean carpets and hard floors.

Set It and Forget It

Once you’ve scheduled your vacuum to run, you can go about your day without having to worry about it.

They’re Great for Pet Hair

Robot vacuums are very good at collecting up pet hair, so they’re perfect for homes with furry friends.

Small and Lightweight

This makes them easy to transport, move around, and store when not in use.

Affordable

Robot vacuums are generally more affordable than traditional vacuum cleaners.

Some Models are Self-emptying

It means you don’t have to worry about emptying the vacuum dustbin yourself.

They’re Quiet

Robot vacuums are much quieter than traditional power vacuum cleaners, so you won’t have to worry about being disturbed while they’re running.

Keep Your Floors Clean

vacuum-cleaner-over the floor
Vacuum cleaner over the floor.

Even if you don’t have time to sweep or mop your floors every day, a robot vacuum can help keep them clean.

Care & Maintenance for a long lasting robot cleaner

Your robot vacuum consumes a lot of power, and if you do not maintain it properly, the air filter might get clogged. This means that your machine will not be able to filter out the dust in the air, and it will end up clogging itself. 

To maintain your robot vacuum, you’ll need to empty its dustbin after each use if your model doesn’t have self-emptying features. The bin is located on the bottom of the vacuum.

Here are some maintenance tips for robot vacuum.

  • Keep the vacuum in a dry place.
  • Don’t submerge the vacuum in water.
  • Don’t use the vacuum to clean up wet or hazardous material.
  • Make sure the robot vacuums wheels are lubricated every few months.

Also, here are a few tips for keeping it in tip-top shape:

Keep Out of Direct Sunlight

You should keep your robot vacuum out of direct sunlight because it can also affect the performance of your machine. And when you use it, keep it away from water or flammable liquids.

Clean Out Regularly

You should also clean out your robot vacuum regularly to ensure there is no hair or thread wrapped around the brush bar because this can cause it to malfunction. Remove any excess fur from animals, as these can also jam the machine.

Change the Filter Regularly

You should also change the filter regularly to keep your robot vacuum in good condition. The lifespan of the filter is about 2-3 months under normal conditions.

How the Robot Vacuums Work?

Cleaning Robots | How they work?

Robot vacuums work by using a combination of sensors and mapping technology to navigate around your home. They use these sensors to avoid obstacles and determine where they are in your home’ This allows them to create a map of your floorplan, which they then use to plan their route as they clean.

Most robot vacuums equip a remote control, which you can use to tell the vacuum when and where to clean. You can also employ the remote to set schedules, so your vacuum will run automatically at certain times. 

Some models even have voice-activated controls, so you can just tell them what to do.

How to Use your vacuum robot

Clean hard surfaces
Multi-surface brushes for a thorough clean.

When you first get your robot vacuum, you’ll need to charge the battery for at least 12 hours. Once it’s charged, you can start using it.

To use your robot vacuum, just place it on the floor and press the power button. The vacuum will then start cleaning automatically. You can also use the remote control to tell the vacuum where to clean and when.

What are the Best Brands to get an automatic vacuum cleaner from? 

There are a number of different brands available on the market. Some of the most popular brands include:

iRobot Roomba

iRobot Roomba is one of the most popular and well-known robot vacuum brands. Their robot vacuums are easy to use, clean all types of floors, and operate autonomously. 

Eufy

The Eufy robot vacuums are high-quality and effectively clean your floors. They’re also known for their quiet operation and affordable price. 

Shark

Shark is a popular brand of vacuum cleaners, including robot vacuums. Their robot vacuums are pretty efficient and cost you less than most other brands.

iLife

The iLife robot vacuums are good for hard floors and low-pile carpeting. They’re also highly affordable and come with many additional features.

Bissell

Bissell is a well-known vacuum cleaner brand that also produces robot vacuums. Their robot vacuums are designed to clean various surfaces, including carpets and hard floors. 

Dyson

Dyson is a high-end vacuum cleaner brand. They’re some of the most expensive robot vacuums on the market, but they offer a wealth of features and are very effective at cleaning.

FAQs about vacuum robotic cleaners

Robot vacuums are becoming increasingly popular in homes across the globe. While they are often compared to traditional vacuum cleaners, there are some key differences that set them apart. 

Here are some of the most common questions about robot vacuums: 

How often do I need to empty the dustbin in my robot vacuum?

This will vary depending on the model of robot vacuum you have, but most dustbins need to be emptied after every few uses.

How long does a robot vacuum filter last?

Just like vacuum bags, filters need to be replaced often. You should replace the filter once every two months.

Final thoughts: You need one of these robotic cleaning tools today!

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about buying the perfect robot vacuum for your home. 

Whether you’re looking for a floor-cleaning robot vacuum or a window-cleaning robot vacuum, there’s sure to be a model that fits your needs and budget. Just make sure you consider the different features each model offers and choose one that will best meet your cleaning needs.